Signs a Student May Be in Distress

Signs A Student May Be In Distress

Often faculty and staff will be the first to notice changes in a student’s behaviour when they are struggling. The greater the degree of change, the greater your level of concern should be. The signs of distress listed below are discussed in detail during Mental Health 101.

Possible signs of distress can include:

• Decline in performance or preparation
• Dependency on others
• Irritability
• Saying odd or unusual things
• Repeated requests for accommodation
• Shift in social patterns
• Avoiding or dominating discussions
• Excessive anxiety (one topic of focus during Mental Health 202)
• Disruptive behaviour and/or mood swings
• Inappropriate responses to situations (overreacting or underreacting)
• Persistent worry about unrealistic events
• Inability to concentrate, confusion, indecisiveness
• Change in appearance or personal hygiene
• Expressions of helplessness or hopelessness
• References to suicide (the topic of focus during Mental Health 303)
• Intensified emotional responses
• Increase in physical illnesses and/or injuries

If you notice any of the signs above in a student and are concerned, you can contact The Counselling Centre at counselling@smu.ca (8:30 to 4:30 Monday to Friday).